Spiritual Nutrition Menu

Thank You, Lord

“Thank you Lord – Thank you Lord”

When was the last time you said: “Thank You, Lord“? Often we are so busy we spend a small part of one day to give the Lord our time—Saturday or Sunday—we go to ‘church’. Aside from that we rarely give the Lord our attention and/or praise.

Try thanking Him during the hard times of life. Yes, whatever you are going through, thank the Lord. I remind you we are not only looking at your present situation but your eternal salvation. What we endure on earth in the flesh is temporary.

Remember the ten lepers that asked Jesus for mercy {Luke 17:11-19}, He told them to “go show yourselves to the priests“, and they were cleansed. How many of the ten let the Lord know that they were thankful for what He did?

Luke 17:15-19

And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.

17 And Jesus answered, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? 18 Was no one found who returned to give glory to God, except this foreigner. 19 And he said to him, Arise, go your way: your faith has made you well. (RKJNT)

Please do not be like the nine unthankful lepers, remember to give the Lord praise. Thank Him for the eternal—the everlasting—life that He promised.

A short prayer:

Father, I thank you for each test and trial that you are taking me through. Thank you for your goodness and mercy. For your word and Spirit that comforts and guides. I thank you for your love, joy, and peace. For allowing me to see another day in my right mind! Lord, I am grateful for all you do and for who you are, in Jesus name, Amen.

Do you ever stop what you are doing and think of the goodness of Jesus? Thinking of the times that you know, without a doubt, that God stepped into your situation. The times He moved on your behalf. Now start saying, “Thank you, Lord”.

Knowing who He is; “Thank you Lord” because He did not have to do anything for you. I thank you, Lord!

Psalms 100

Next, for a boost read these Scriptures!

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands [Psalms 100:1 (KJV)].

And as he was coming near, at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; [Luke 19:37 (RKJNT)]

Serve and sing

Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing [Psalms 100:2 (KJV)].

And they continued daily to assemble in the temple, and to break bread from house to house, and to eat their food with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved [Acts 2:46-47 (RKJNT)].

Let the word of Christ be in you in all wealth of wisdom; teaching and helping one another with songs of praise and holy words, making melody to God with grace in your hearts [Colossians 3:16 (BBE)].

Thank the Creator

Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name [Psalms 100:3-4 (KJV)].

Let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God through him [Jesus], that is, the fruit of lips that make confession (give thanks and offer praise) to his name [Hebrews 13:15 (NSB)].

He is good

For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations [Psalms 100:5 (KJV)].

Thank you Lord wrap-up

Rejoice always. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus [1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (RKJNT)].

Be thankful and mindful of praise. The next time something unpleasant happens, do as the above Scripture says, and ‘give thanks in everything’. I know you may not feel thankful at all times.

If you practice praising God it will get easier to rejoice. To get started, say “thank you Lord” and keep saying it! —and be blessed—♥ Tim.

♥Question for ‘spiritual nutrition – thank you Lord’: Are you giving thanks to the Lord?

Related Bible studies:

Where Will You Spend Eternity?

You decide your eternity. According to the Scriptures, you have a choice, heaven (the New Jerusalem) or the lake of fire!

“It is your choice”

Never will any impure thing enter the city [New Jerusalem; Revelation 21:2],’ nor they whose life is shameful and false, but only ‘those whose names have been written in the Lamb’s book of life’ [Revelation 21:27 (OEB)].

And if any person’s [name] was not found recorded in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire [Revelation 20:15 (AUV)].

Who will spend eternity in Heaven?

All who have been given to Christ – John 10:25-30 and 17:1-5 (3); Hebrews 9:11-15; 2 Peter 1:10-11.

The born again believers who endure until the end – John 3:16-21, 5:24-27 and 6:35-40; Galatians 6:7-10; 1 Timothy 1:15-17; Titus 3:3-8; 1 John 5:6-15.

Who will spend eternity in “the lake of fire”?

*NOTE: “The lake of fire” – the eternal dwelling of the unsaved; most incorrectly call it Hell. Did you know hell will be cast into the lake of fire {Revelation 20:14}?

And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire [Revelation 20:10 and 14-15 (KJV)].

Those who reject or do not believe in Christ – Luke 10:13-16; John 12:47-50; 1 John 5:6-15.

Your status

Do you know your spiritual status? If you do not meet God’s requirements, repent and get right with the Lord before it is too late!

Put yourselves to a test; see if you are [really] in the faith [i.e., see if you are genuine Christians]; examine yourselves! Or, do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in your hearts, unless [of course] you fail the test [i.e., unless you are counterfeit Christians] [2 Corinthians 13:5 (AUV)].

And in the same way, some [of the seed] that was sown on rocky soil represented those who heard ‘the word’ and immediately accepted it gladly, 17 but [since] they had such shallow roots, they continued on for [only] a little while. Then, when trouble and persecution arose over [obeying] ‘the word,’ immediately they stumbled [i.e., and fell away from God] [Mark 4:16-17 (AUV)].

Be careful, the falling away is often a very slow process. Please do not miss out because you are too caught up with your life (the cares of this world [Mark 4:13-20; Luke 21:34-38]). You have a priceless future waiting for you.

Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has, in his great mercy, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, given us the new life of undying hope, that promises an inheritance, imperishable, stainless, unfading, which has been reserved for you in heaven — [1 Peter 1:3-4 (OEB)].

“God’s Word is life! – hear it | understand it | live it”

Eternity wrap-up

The sheep—children of God

When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: 32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats: 33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, and the goats on the left.

34 Then shall the King say to those on his right hand, Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 For I was hungry, and you gave me food: I was thirsty, and you gave me drink: I was a stranger, and you took me in: 36 Naked, and you clothed me: I was sick, and you visited me: I was in prison, and you came to me [Matthew 25:31-36 (RKJNT)].

The goats—the disobedient

Then he shall say to those on the left hand, Depart from me, you cursed, into eternal fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 For I was hungry, and you gave me no food: I was thirsty, and you gave me no drink: 43 I was a stranger, and you did not take me in: naked, and you did not clothe me: sick, and in prison, and you did not visit me [Matthew 25:41-43 (RKJNT)].

Where will you spend eternity? Will you be punished in eternal fire {lake of fire} or rewarded with the gift of eternal life?

The choice is yours: Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Be blessed—♥ Tim.

♥Question for ‘spiritual nutrition – where will you spend eternity’: Are you prepared for judgment?

Related Bible studies

God’s Message

“Whoever listens to you listens to Me. Whoever rejects you rejects Me. And whoever rejects Me rejects the One who sent Me.Luke 10:16 (HCSB)”

God’s message comes to you in many ways, receive it do not reject it—refusing to receive God’s word is the same as refusing God. Jesus came to deliver God’s message:

So Jesus told them, “My message is not my own; it comes from God who sent me. 17 Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own. 18 Those who speak for themselves want glory only for themselves, but a person who seeks to honor the one who sent him speaks truth, not lies. 19 Moses gave you the law, but none of you obeys it! In fact, you are trying to kill me” [John 7:16-19 (NLT)].

God’s Message – Receive It

Who does God use to deliver His Word/message? He delivers His Word personally, through Prophets, Angels and any person He chooses… He even used a donkey (Numbers 22:21-39). Jesus told His disciples to “shake off the dust of your feet as a testimony against {warning to} them” [Acts 13:51 (the apostles did as instructed), Acts 18:6 and Nehemiah 5:13].

When God’s message comes to you, believe it and receive it so that you will not face the wrath of God. Some translations omit the warning “I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment” [John 15:18-25; Hebrews 10:26-39; 2 Peter 2:6].

Also He said to them, “In whatever place you enter a house, stay there till you depart from that place. 11 And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city” [Mark 6:10-11 (NKJV)]!

God’s message They went out and preached that people should repent. Mark 6:12 (WEB)

In conclusion

As He thus spoke a woman in the crowd called out in a loud voice, “Blessed is the mother who carried you, and the breasts that you have sucked.” 28 “Nay rather,” He replied, “they are blessed who hear God’s Message and carefully keep it” [Luke 11:27-28 (WNT)].

God’s message will be preached throughout the world to give all a chance to repent and be saved. Luke 24:47-48 “You saw these things happen—you are witnesses. You must go and tell people that they must change and turn to God, which will bring them his forgiveness. You must start from Jerusalem and tell this message in my name to the people of all nations.” (ERV) Believe and receive God’s message and be blessed—♥ Tim.

♥Question for ‘God’s message’?: Are you accepting or rejecting God’s message?

Related Bible study:

Are You Happy?

“You should be happy”

I would like to know, are you happy? Hopefully, you do not have to think about it, if you are a child of the Creator of everything, you have at least one reason to be happy. God promised you eternal life (1 John 2:25). Can you think of other reasons why you should be happy? I thought it would be a good change to give some ‘happy’ Scriptures after all, who does not want to feel good! Well maybe there are some that like to feel bad and sad; I hope you are not one.

Lord, everything you have given me is good. You have made my life secure. 6 I am very pleased with what you have given me.I am very happy with what I’ve received from you. 7 I will praise the Lord. He gives me good advice. Even at night my heart teaches me. 8 I know that the Lord is always with me. He is at my right hand. I will always be secure. 9 So my heart is glad.Joy is on my tongue. My body also will be secure [Psalm 16:5-9 (NIRV)].

Are you happy now?

‘Lord, lead, help and teach me to live obedient to your word…’ Are you happy when you know you are pleasing God by obeying Him? Is it your desire to obey and please the Lord? Take a look at what the Psalmist asked of the Lord, what a powerful prayer, if you are not happy, do as the Psalmist, ask God for help. You may need to adjust your way of thinking and change the things that you desire, let God help you.

Lord, teach me your demands, and I will keep them until the end. 34 Help me understand, so I can keep your teachings, obeying them with all my heart. 35 Lead me in the path of your commands, because that makes me happy. 36 Make me want to keep your rules instead of wishing for riches.

37 Keep me from looking at worthless things. Let me live by your word. 38 Keep your promise to me, your servant, so you will be respected. 39 Take away the shame I fear, because your laws are good. 40 How I want to follow your orders. Give me life because of your goodness [Psalm 119:33-40 (NCV)].

Keys to blessings (happiness)

Happy are those who have forgiveness for their wrongdoing, and whose sins are covered. Happy is the man against whom no sin is recorded by the Lord. Romans 4:7-8 (BBE)

He looked at His followers and said, “Those of you who are poor are happy, because the holy nation of God is yours. 21 Those of you who are hungry now are happy, because you will be filled. Those of you who have sorrow now are happy, because you will laugh.

22 You are happy when men hate you and do not want you around and put shame on you because you trust in Me. 23 Be glad in that day. Be full of joy for your reward is much in heaven. Their fathers did these things to the early preachers [Luke 6:20-23 (NLV)].

The word ‘happy’ in Luke 6:20-23 is also translated as ‘blessed’ they come from the Greek word μακάριος makarios mä-kä’-rē-os. To be happy is to have a feeling of well-being or contentment. Happiness according to the McClintock and Strong Encyclopedia “consists in the enjoyment of the Divine favor, a good conscience, and uniform conduct.”

It is remarkable that Jesus began his ministry in this manner, so unlike all others. Other teachers had taught that happiness was to be found in honor, or riches, or splendor, or sensual pleasure. Jesus overlooked all those things, and fixed his eye on the poor and the humble, and said that happiness was to be found in the lowly vale of poverty more than in the pomp and splendors of life. – Barnes

In conclusion

You yourselves know that I have worked with these hands of mine to provide everything that my companions and I have needed. 35 I have shown you in all things that by working hard in this way we must help the weak, remembering the words that the Lord Jesus himself said, ‘There is more happiness in giving than in receiving‘* [Acts 20:34-35 (GNT)].

*this quote from Jesus is not recorded in any of the four Gospels [similar to EXB note]; reference John 21:25.

For the last time I ask, are you happy? If the answer is yes, please tell me what makes you happy and for how long does your happiness last? One thing I am sure of friends and family or a feeling of security from a career or job offer temporary happiness (see Ecclesiastes 2:1-11, 6:1-12). But, to find permanent happiness “then I will go to the altar of God, to God who is my joy and happiness.” Yes, turn to God as your source of happiness and be truly ‘blessed’ (happy)—Tim.

♥Question for spiritual nutrition – “are you happy”: Are you happy/blessed?

Related Bible study/article:

Sources

We Are Over-comers

Don’t stress over life’s mess – Tim

“We are winners – Don’t stressLife can be a mess”

These things I have spoken to you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation [frustration; suffering; sorrows; trouble]: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world [John 16:33 (RKJNT)].

Note: bracketed items were compiled from other translations to describe tribulation.

We are not defeated, do not let the things in life get you down. Yes, you can be sure, as a child of God you will have trouble and suffer in this life. But not to the point of getting the best of you unless you let it.

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord [Romans 8:37-39 (RKJNT)].

For all that is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that overcomes the world: our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God [1 John 5:4-5 (CPDV)]!

Head up

Hold your head up and put a smile on your face. In the end, we win. This life on earth will not beat us. It might seem that we are losing but we walk by faith and not by the way things look (2 Corinthians 5:7).

It is sin that gives death its sting, and it is the law that gives sin its power. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 58 Therefore, my dear friends, stand firm, unshaken, always diligent in the Lord’s work, for you know that, in union with him, your toil is not in vain [1 Corinthians 15:56-58 (OEB)].

In conclusion

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give them eternal life; and they shall never perish, nor shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who gave them to me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one [John 10:27-30 (RKJNT)].

There are periods in life when it might seem that God has forgotten us or we feel like life is getting the best of us—yes this life can be a mess, but please do not stress. Certain situations and experiences cause frustration, do not give up or worry, be confident you will ultimately win—by faith victory is yours—be blessed—♥ Tim.

♥Question for spiritual nutrition – ‘we are over-comers’: Is your life a mess; but are you an over-comer?

Related Bible studies:

He calls me Friend

Is Jesus your Friend?Spiritual Nutrition

Perfume and incense make the heart glad, but the sweetness of a friend is a fragrant forest [Proverbs 27:9 (GW)].

Jesus said…

You are my friends, if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants; for the servant does not know what his lord is doing: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you [John 15:14-15 (RKJNT)].

Are you a friend of Jesus? Have you met the ‘if’ condition? You are His friend if you do what He says. There is another key question. Do you know what the Lord is doing? Jesus told them the servant does not know the lords plan. Are you a servant or friend? Jesus, our Lord, told us His plan (see John 15:13). The Holy Spirit makes that plan clear (see John 15:26). Your friend Jesus died for you!

All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and he spoke nothing to them without using a parable, 35 That what was spoken by the prophet might be fulfilled, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world** [Matthew 13:34-35 (RKJNT)].

Now to him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which was kept secret for long ages past, 26 But now has been made manifest, and through the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all nations to bring about the obedience of faith:

27 To the only wise God, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen. (RKJNT)

In life, we have many that call us ‘friend‘. Few friends if any will die for us. Jesus is the kind of friend that did that for you and for me. He is—my Best Friend Forever—no one could love us more or be a better friend than Jesus.

True friend

No one can give greater proof of love than by laying down their life for their friends [John 15:13 (OEB)].

Proverbs 18:24

A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. (KJV)

Some “friends” pretend to be friends, but a true friend sticks closer than a brother. True friends want only the best for you. A true friend will never hurt you on purpose, but will tell you the truth even if it hurts [Proverbs 27:6]. (CJB)

Jesus is the type of friend that remains your friend at all times. He wants the best for you even if you do not want what is best for you. ☺

A true friend loves regardless of the situation, and a real brother exists to share the tough times [Proverbs 17:17 (VOICE)].

In conclusion

But a man may say, You have faith, and I have works: show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that there is one God; you do well: the devils believe also, and tremble. 20 Do you want to be shown, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?

21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 You see that faith was active with his works, and by works was faith made perfect; 23 And the scripture was fulfilled which says, Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only [James 2:18-24 (RKJNT)].

Abraham met the ‘if’ condition he believed, demonstrated his faith, and was called ‘the friend of God‘. Some believe works are not part of our salvation; I will leave that alone for now but will address it in a future blog. One thing we can be sure of, faith without works is dead or inactive, act on your faith—and be blessed—♥ Tim.

Related Bible studies:

Praise the Lord

“Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.”Psalms 150:2Spiritual Nutrition

Praise the Lord everybody! Today we focus on praising the Lord and briefly cover the difference between praising versus thanking the Lord.

The term “praise the Lord” is primarily used in the Old Testament, in fact, it is only used once in the KJV New Testament; Romans 15:11. Does this mean that we are not required or that we should not praise the Lord? Is willful obedience and submission a form of praise? Or is living in obedience a form of praise? How about sharing what we have, is it a form of praise?

The children of Israel (COI) cried out to, praised and worshiped the Lord during times of slavery and distress but often returned to idolatry after He delivered them. We must learn from their example and continue to praise no matter what. Stay with me for the explanation and Scriptures to support this.

Romans 15:11

And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. (KJV)

A closer look at Romans 15:11

Praise here comes from the Greek aineo (ai-neh’-o) which means: to praise (God).

Psalms 117:1

A closer look at Psalms 117:1

Match the second use of ‘praise’ from the Hebrew shabach (shaw-bakh’) which means:

(properly) to address in a loud tone, i.e. (specifically) loud.

(figuratively) to pacify (as if by words).

the piel of š¹»ah (lit. “praise, glorify”.

to laud, praise, commend. (Piel) – to laud, praise (God).

to commend, congratulate (the dead).

⚔ ‘Praise the Lord’ challenge

Do you know the meaning of “extol” used as the second meaning of ‘aineo‘ praise in ‘closer look at Romans 15:11’? If not, (use the Bible study tools) look it up and share the meaning in the comments area below.

In Romans 15:11 it appears the KJV translators either made an error in translating or Paul misquoted Psalms 117:1 ‘laud‘ instead of ‘praise‘. Be careful to study the word usage first and then decide. I will do some research for you but would like you to do your own study. The RKJNT translators use ‘praise’ in place of ‘laud’; study this to find other translations and the word they chose.

NOTE: The Bible study tools page gives you links to recommended study materials. Romans 15:11 (RKJNT) And again, Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; and praise him, all you people. Please give your answers and feedback in the comment area at the end of the post.

A quick peek at the difference (in one case) between ‘praising’ and ‘thanking’ the Lord.

Thank, thankful(ness) and thanksgiving – An expression of gratitude, most often directed to God. In the OT these words almost always represent the hiphil of Hebrew yadah or the derived noun todah. Both terms are also rendered “praise.” (from International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, revised edition)

Then on that day David delivered first this psalm to thank the Lord into the hand of Asaph and his brethren. 8 Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people [1 Chronicles 16:7-8 (KJV)].

Praise God

A different way of giving thanks or praise to the Lord is through our works of love, the way we live and give. The word praise here (Hebrews 13:15) is from the Greek word ainesis (ai’-nes-is) also translated as ‘a thank offering’. Therefore, through him let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name. 16 Do not forget to do good and to share: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased [Hebrews 13:15-16 (RKJNT)].

The praise of man toward God is the means by which we express our joy to the Lord. We are to praise God both for who He is and for what He does (Psalms 150:2). Praising God for who He is called adoration; praising Him for what He does is known as thanksgiving. – from Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary

‘Praise the Lord’ Truth Alert

Hallelujah

In my quest to always offer Sound Truth I give this revelation of the word ‘hallelujah‘, ‘halleluyah‘ or ‘alleluia‘. Is ‘hallelujah’ or ‘alleluia’ the highest praise or is it praise at all?

Some use the phrase “praise the Lord” as a form of greeting; example: one person says “praise the Lord” and the other responds “praise the Lord” neither seem to understand that they are trading or exchanging the command to give a praise to the Lord.

I smile as I think of those who respond to “praise the Lord‘ by repeating the command thinking they are obeying the initial command to praise the Lord; example: one person says “praise the Lord” the other responds “hallelujah” thinking they are actually praising the Lord.

Let sinners cease out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless the LORD, O my soul. Hallelujah [Psalms 104:35 (JPS)].

Footnote: {Hallelujah} That is, Praise ye the LORD.

In Psalms 104:35 the psalmist uses the phrase “praise ye the Lord” the first part is praise halal (haw-lal’) to boast [Mickelson’s Enhanced Strong’s Greek and Hebrew Dictionaries – (hence) to make a show, to boast]. The second part ‘ye the Lord’ is represented by the Hebrew Yahh (yaw) meaning Jah (Jehovah in the shortened form).

Jehovah – A mispronunciation (introduced by Christian theologians, but almost entirely disregarded by the Jews) of the Hebrew “Yhwh,” the (ineffable) name of God (the Tetragrammaton or “Shem ha-Meforash”). This pronunciation is grammatically impossible; it arose through pronouncing the vowels of the “ḳere” (marginal reading of the Masorites: = “Adonay”) with the consonants of the “ketib” (text-reading: = “Yhwh”)—”Adonay” (the Lord) being substituted with one exception wherever Yhwh occurs in the Biblical and liturgical books. – from the Jewish Encyclopedia {another recommended resource: Is the term “Jehovah” really the proper name of God?}

While searching to validate the familiar statement “hallelujah is the highest praise” I could not find anything that comes close to support this statement in Scripture. To make it clear, I am not saying it is a sin, but is it false teaching or mere lack of understanding? Is the foundation of such a strong statement based on Scripture?

Notice that the word “Hallelujah” is not itself praise to the LORD, but rather is the plural imperative form of the verb Halal, meaning “You praise the LORD!” (see Psalm 111; 112; 113; 117; 135; 146, 147, 148, 149, 150). Hallelu et-shem Adonai is thus a command to “praise the Name of the LORD!” – from Hebrew Word of the Week – Tehillim

Hallelujah = ‘praise the Lord’ but is not praise!

In conclusion

Send up a glad cry to God, all the earth: 2 Make a song in honour of his name: give praise and glory to him. 3 Say to God, How greatly to be feared are your works! because of your great power your haters are forced to put themselves under your feet. 4 Let all the earth give you worship, and make songs to you; let them make songs to your name. Selah.

5 Come and see the works of God: he is to be feared in all he does to the children of men. 6 The sea was turned into dry land: they went through the river on foot: there did we have joy in him. 7 He is ruling in power for ever; his eyes are watching the nations: may his haters have no strength against him. Selah.

8 Give blessings to our God, O you peoples, let the voice of his praise be loud; 9 Because he gives us life, and has not let our feet be moved [Psalms 66:1-9 (BBE)].

To praise the Lord is to express thanks specifying His superior qualities, actions, and abilities. Praise is an act or a form of worship—giving respectful honor and applause. To praise the Lord is to admire Him in song—psalms or hymns—and actions. Be blessed—♥ Tim.

♥Question for spiritual nutrition – ‘praise the Lord’: Are you praising the Lord?

Related Bible studies:

Pass the Test

Pass the test—you can do it—but will you? During our lives, we face many tests, some test our knowledge or our obedience and others test our beliefs and level of faith. Was Adam tested in the Garden of Eden? Adam and Eve could eat freely eat from every tree in the garden except one—”do not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil”. God told Adam what he could eat, but also what he should not eat, did Adam pass the test [read Genesis 2:15-17 and Genesis 3:1-24]? In Exodus 16, God told Moses His intent to test the children of Israel (the Israelites).

Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no. 5 And it shall come to pass, that on the sixth day they shall prepare that which they bring in; and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily [Exodus 16:4-5 (KJV)].

If you understand which word in verse 4 represents ‘test’ God bless you, I like to make sure I understand what is meant without assuming. The phrase ‘that I may prove’ is the Hebrew nacah (nä·sä’) meaning to test, try. Do you agree that the Lord tested the Israelites?

Consider this

There are times when you may feel like you cannot pass the test, please do not be like the Israelites. Think of the simplicity of their test, did they lack self-control or understanding? Consider this translation of James 1:2-4:

Don’t run from tests and hardships, brothers and sisters. As difficult as they are, you will ultimately find joy in them; if you embrace them, your faith will blossom under pressure and teach you true patience as you endure. And true patience brought on by endurance will equip you to complete the long journey and cross the finish line—mature, complete, and wanting nothing. James 1:2-4 (VOICE)

Trial – generally understood as the enticement of a person to commit sin by offering some seeming advantage. The sources of temptation are Satan, the world, and the flesh. We are exposed to them in every state, in every place, and in every time. The nearest approach to a definition of the process of temptation from within is given us by James, “But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust” (James 1:14). The New Unger’s Bible Dictionary.

No matter the type of test that you face hold on you can make it, never give up and do not quit!

⚔ Pass the Test Challenge

See if you can find at least two things the Israelites complained about and God’s response to their complaints. (Are you complaining?)

What verse made you know if they passed or failed God’s test?

What did the Israelites have to do to pass the test?

The truth is it takes time to study God’s word; I prayed and asked for a hunger and thirst for His word. God did just that and gave me the time, patience and resources to be able to do so. For those who are interested I am willing to help you do the same; pray for guidance and ask God to help you make time for and have the desire to study His word.

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a time you may have to suffer various trials: 7 That the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold, which perishes, though it is tested by fire, might be found to result in praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.

8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and though you do not see him now, yet you believe in him and rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy: 9 Receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (RKJNT)

The KJV uses ‘trial’ instead of ‘genuineness’ in verse 7; the Greek word is dokimion (do-kē’-mē-on) meaning a test, trial or trying.

In conclusion

If you think you are standing firm you had better be careful that you do not fall. 13 Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out [1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (GNT)].

The Lord’s people may suffer a lot, but he will always bring them safely through. 20 Not one of their bones will ever be broken. 21 Wicked people are killed by their own evil deeds, and if you hate God’s people you will be punished.

22 The Lord saves the lives of his servants. Run to him for protection, and you won’t be punished [Psalm 34:19-22 (CEV)].

You can pass the test, any test, if you rely on Jesus. Temptations—things that appeal to your appetites/desires—are easy to resist when you learn to use self-control and stand firm in your faith in God. Hard times and seemingly difficult situations test your ability to endure, to hold, to trust God, to not give up—you can make it through these times. So yes, you can pass the test—any test—be blessed—♥ Tim.

Related articles/Bible studies:

The Prayer Formula

Prayer works, try it!

“Ask, and you will receive…”Matthew 7:7a (GWT)Spiritual Nutrition”

And I say to you, Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. 10 For every one who asks receives; and he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks it shall be opened. 11 Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will offer him a scorpion?

13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him [Luke 11:9-13 (RKJNT)]?

Do you believe?

Do you believe prayer works? Is there a formula—certain things to say/do—to get God’s attention and receive what you ask for? I do not expect everyone to believe that there is a formula if what you do works, God bless you. These are a few scriptures to help understand what we must do to receive what we ask for.

Matthew 21:22 “And all things, whatever you shall ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive.” ♦ Mark 11:24 “Therefore I say to you, Whatever things you desire, when you pray, believe that you have received them, and you shall have them.” ♦ John 14:13 “And whatever you shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” (RKJNT)

James 4:3 uses the word ‘amiss‘ which is the Greek word kakos (kak-oce`) meaning with the wrong {bad; evil} intent {desire; purpose; motive}. We must not forget that God knows our thoughts {Psalms 94:8-11; Psalms 139:1-6}; be mindful of the reason you ask God for anything.

Why are you praying?

Is it a selfish request, do you need what you ask for—what do you plan to do with the thing you ask for? These are mere suggestions, the point is God is not like man, you cannot trick Him :-).

What causes strife and quarrels among you? do they not come from your passions, which are at war in your members? 2 You covet, and do not have, so you kill; and envy, and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask, and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it upon your pleasures [James 4:1-3 (RKJNT)].

In conclusion

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men liberally, and without reproach; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, without wavering. For he who wavers is like a wave of the sea driven by the wind and tossed. 7 Let not that man think that he shall receive anything from the Lord, 8 For a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways [James 1:5-8 (RKJNT)].

The Scriptures give us access to God, they communicate His thoughts and instructions for us. I combined various verses to create the prayer formula. See if you can find more scriptures that complete the formula. I remind you to pray for full understanding while you study God’s word. Allow the Holy Spirit to help you understand God’s word.

Have a great day and take time to help someone in need—be blessed—♥ Tim.

Related Bible studies:

Hello Wisdom

I am wisdom, and I have the ability to think. I also have knowledge and good sense.Proverbs 8:12 (ICB)Spiritual Nutrition

“Like a person, wisdom calls out to you. Understanding raises her voice. 2 On the hilltops along the road and at the crossroads, she stands calling. 3 She stands beside the city gates. At the entrances into the city, she calls out: 4 “People, I’m calling out to you. I am shouting to all people. 5 You who do not know better, get the ability to think. You who are foolish, get understanding.

6 Listen. I have important things to say. What I tell you is right. 7 What I say is true. I hate it when people speak evil. 8 Everything I say is honest. Nothing I say is crooked or false. 9 People with good sense know that what I say is true. People with knowledge know that my words are right. 10 Choose my teachings instead of silver. Choose knowledge rather than the finest gold. 11 Wisdom is more precious than rubies. Nothing you want is equal to it.

“I am wisdom”

12 “I am wisdom, and I have the ability to think. I also have knowledge and good sense. 13 If you respect the Lord, you also will hate evil.It is wise to hate pride and bragging, evil ways and lies. 14 I have good sense and advice. I have understanding and power. 15 Kings use me to govern. And rulers use me to make fair laws. 16 Princes use me to lead. So do important men and all good judges.

17 I love those who love me. Those who want me find me. 18 Riches and honor are mine. So are wealth and lasting success. 19 What I give is better than the finest gold. What I give is better than pure silver. 20 I do what is right. I do what is fair. 21 I give wealth to those who love me. I fill them with treasures [Proverbs 8:1-21 (ICB)].

God’s wisdom

God’s wisdom is intense and difficult to understand, it is more precious and valuable than all jewels. We should learn to treasure and ask for His wisdom, Proverbs 3:18 ‘wisdom gives life, and is a source of happiness to those who use it.’ Proverbs 4:7 ‘Wisdom (is) the principal thing; (Therefore) get wisdom;’. (ASV)

‘Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do. Whatever else you get, get insight. 8 Love wisdom, and she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will bring you honor. 9 She will be your crowning glory” [Proverbs 4:7-9 (GNT)].

In conclusion

Proverbs 19:8a “To get wisdom is to love oneself;” (NRSV) through Godly wisdom and understanding we establish a good strong family (home – Proverbs 24:3). Wisdom strengthens and protects the wise (Ecclesiastes 7:19); “the proof of wisdom is in the actions it produces” (Matthew 11:19 CJB). So I encourage you to get wisdom and be blessed—♥ Tim.

Jesus Prayed For You

I am not praying for these [apostles] only, but also for [all of] those who believe in me through their message.”John 17:20 (AUV)Spiritual Nutrition

Jesus prayed

Not for these only do I pray, but for those also who believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that you sent me. 22 The glory which you have given me, I have given to them; that they may be one, even as we are one;

23 I in them, and you in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that you sent me, and loved them, even as you loved me. 24 Father, I desire that they also whom you have given me be with me where I am, that they may see my glory, which you have given me, for you loved me before the foundation of the world.

25 Righteous Father, the world hasn’t known you, but I knew you; and these knew that you sent me. 26 I made known to them your name, and will make it known; that the love with which you loved me may be in them, and I in them” [John 17:20-26 (WEB)].

For whom?

In John 17, Jesus prayed for Himself (John 17:1-5), His (eleven remaining) disciples (John 17:6-19) and all believers (John 17:20-26). I want to draw your attention to John 17:15-16 “I do not pray that you would take them out of the world, but that you would keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” (RKJNT)

After the new birth/born again experience, we should no longer fear the devil (evil one) or consider ourselves a part of this world. We are now part of God’s family and protected from the evil one. We have a heavenly home (2 Corinthians 5:1-8; John 14:1-6) waiting for us. You can make it through whatever you are going through, trust God, He has something better for you.

Home with the Lord

For we know that when this tent we live in — our body here on earth — is torn down, God will have a house in heaven for us to live in, a home he himself has made, which will last forever. 2 And now we sigh, so great is our desire that our home which comes from heaven should be put on over us; 3 by being clothed with it we shall not be without a body.

4 While we live in this earthly tent, we groan with a feeling of oppression; it is not that we want to get rid of our earthly body, but that we want to have the heavenly one put on over us, so that what is mortal will be transformed by life. 5 God is the one who has prepared us for this change, and he gave us his Spirit as the guarantee of all that he has in store for us.

6 So we are always full of courage. We know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord’s home. 7 For our life is a matter of faith, not of sight. 8 We are full of courage and would much prefer to leave our home in the body and be at home with the Lord.

9 More than anything else, however, we want to please him, whether in our home here or there. 10 For all of us must appear before Christ, to be judged by him. Each one will receive what he deserves, according to everything he has done, good or bad, in his bodily life [2 Corinthians 5:1-10 (TEV)].

Word For the Day

Law-breaker/sinner

But when I had seen that they were not walking correctly, by the truth of the Gospel, I said to Cephas in front of everyone: “If you, while you are a Jew, are living like the Gentiles and not the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to keep the customs of the Jews?” 15 By nature, we are Jews, and not of the Gentiles, sinners.

16 And we know that man is not justified by the works of the law, but only by the faith of Jesus Christ. And so we believe in Christ Jesus, in order that we may be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law. For no flesh will be justified by the works of the law. 17 But if, while seeking to be justified in Christ, we ourselves are also found to be sinners, would then Christ be the minister of sin? Let it not be so!

18 For if I rebuild the things that I have destroyed, I establish myself as a prevaricator. 19 For through the law, I have become dead to the law, so that I may live for God. I have been nailed to the cross with Christ [Galatians 2:14-19 (CPDV)].

Examples of prevarication

The serpent was more clever than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. The serpent said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat fruit from any tree in the garden’?” 2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden. 3 But God did say, ‘You must not eat the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden. Do not even touch it. If you do, you will die.’ ”

4 “You will certainly not die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “God knows that when you eat fruit from that tree, you will know things you have never known before. Like God, you will be able to tell the difference between good and evil.” 6 The woman saw that the tree’s fruit was good to eat and pleasing to look at. She also saw that it would make a person wise. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her. And he ate it [Genesis 3:1-6 (NIRV)].

Abraham said his wife was his sister

Abraham tells Pharoah and Abimelek that Sarah, is his sister, but deliberately concealed the truth about their marriage: Genesis 12:10-20 (prevaricates to Pharoah); Genesis 20:1-18 (prevaricates to Abimelek).

Challenge

Can you think of other examples of prevarication in the Scriptures?

Definition

Get out of telling the truth: to avoid giving a direct and honest answer or opinion, or a clear and truthful account of a situation, especially by quibbling or being deliberately ambiguous or misleading. Evasion of the truth; deceit, evasiveness. To lie, mislead, or conceal the truth deliberately.

A divergence from the truth, equivocation, quibbling, a want of plain-dealing or straightforwardness, especially a deliberate misrepresentation by evasive answers, often used as a less offensive synonym for a lie. The Latin praevaricatio was specifically applied to the conduct in an action at law in which an advocate ( praevaricator ) in collusion with his opponent put up a bad case of defence. Praevaricare meant literally to walk with the legs very wide apart, to straddle, hence to walk crookedly, to stray from the direct road, varicus, straddling, being derived from varus, bow-legged, a word which has been connected etymologically with German quer, transverse, across, and English “queer.” — prevarication – 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica

FYI, I found the word prevaricate or a derivative in the following translations/revisions/versions of the English Bible: Catholic Public Domain Version (CPDV), Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition (DRA), Douay-Rheims Bible (DRB), Douay-Rheims Challoner (DRC), Jubilee Bible 2000 (JUB) and Wycliffe Bible (WYC).

Liar

Therefore I will, that men pray in all place, lifting up clean hands without wrath and strife [lifting up clean hands without wrath and disputing, or strife]. 9 Also women in suitable habit, with shamefastness and soberness arraying themselves [Also and women in adorned, or covenable, habit, with shamefastness and soberness adorning themselves], not in wreathed hairs, either in gold, or pearls, or precious cloth; 10 but that that becometh women, promising piety by good works.

11 A woman learn [she] in silence, with all subjection. 12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, neither to have lordship on the husband [neither for to have lordship on the man], but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was first formed, afterward Eve; 14 and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived, in breaking of the law [in prevarication, or breaking of the law]. 15 But she shall be saved by generation of children, if she dwell perfectly in faith, and love, and holiness, with soberness [1 Timothy 2:8-15 (WYC)].

Do not be a prevaricator or guilty of prevarication; Revelation 21:8 “…all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and sulphur: which is the second death.” (RKJNT)

I am glad that you found it helpful Marlona. Yes, “praise the Lord” is quite different from what we believed. Thank you for your support, as you see I finally got the web site going after all those years of preparing :-)!